The bible is just a storybook… some history, some letters, some wise teachings and examples, but on the surface, not much more.
If you want to understand the bible. and understand the teachings, Jesus has some advice:
“If you want to test my teachings and discover where I received them, first be passionate to do God’s will, and then you will be able to discern if my teachings are from the heart of God or from my own opinions…”
John 6:17
Looking for God’s Kingdom first, in any circumstance, is the starting point to any understanding. I am watching the series “The Chosen” (http://thechosen.tv/) again. Along with the Gospel of John, it gives you a very good idea of how the religious leaders of the time were thinking. They were trying to steer a nation to God, but failed as they got stuck, and you can see it in their interactions with Jesus throughout John.
The Pharisees were attacking Jesus on the Law, the Torah, and so in a teaching, Jesus teaches from the Torah… and makes a beautiful statement:
“…Stop judging based on the superficial. First you must embrace the standards of mercy and truth.”
John 7:24
I wonder why Jesus said “Mercy” first?
Truth is ultimate. It is as something is. It is an absolute, no grey areas. It is a standard we are supposed to live by, and the Pharisees are trying hard. We cannot fault them in that…. but mercy… I can get so angry and frustrated at my kids for breaking the house “rules” – but just as easily, I can hand out “mercy” when they say sorry and actually try their darndest to be better. Then “YOU must do better” becomes “WE will try again, right?”
Jesus honored the Jewish feasts and traditions. He understood why they were there, but He would not let it stand in the way of doing good. Honoring God on the Sabbath, was important, but healing a man on the sabbath was even more glory to God.
But back to the point. In John 8, The religious leaders stomps into the temple courts, where Jesus was teaching, with a woman caught in adultery. They wanted her stoned as per the law. It is a famous scene and story from the Bible and Jesus says to them: Let him without sin cast the first stone.
Have you thought about the statement? These were the pure of the pure of Israel. The teachers of the Torah. Anyone of them should have been able to pick up a rock and throw it… but they didn’t, because that is not what Jesus said. The Greek word is “Anamartetos” and it literally doesn’t only mean “without sin”, but everything surrounding actual sin, even sinful desires. One who hasn’t sinned, one who cannot sin, and one who has never even had sinful thoughts and desires.
That is why the Pharisees left. The top of the shop. Not even they met the criteria of the Law of Moses.
So here we are. Jesus and the woman. And He shares the heart of the Father: Go and sin no more. Mercy.
You stuffed up. It’s ok, I still love you.
You lost your way. It’s ok, I still love you.
You gave in to worldly thinking. It’s ok, I still love you.
You gave in to your desires. It’s ok, I still love you.
You gave in… You gave up… It’s ok, I love you. Let’s try again… together.
It is more than Mercy, it is the love of a Father for His children…
Jesus said, “Then I certainly don’t condemn you either. Go, and from now on, be free from a life of sin.”
John 8:11
The series I mentioned above: The Chosen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=craeyJdrCsE
